More from the Alaeze Files

Proving that sometimes it's not worth all the trouble, one-time Baltimore high school superstar Melvin Alaeze has left the University of Illinois for personal reasons.

Consider Alaeze's file over the past two years.

He failed to meet the NCAA's minimum academic standards to receive a scholarship out of high school. He went to Hargrave Military to try to improve his academic standing, but left in midyear and, according to folks in a position to know, still was not in position academically for a scholarship.

Then the University of Maryland rescinded its scholarship offer after it was made known that Alaeze had been arrested on marijuana charges, which subsequently were placed on an inactive docket, meaning they will be dropped if Alaeze stays clear of any more trouble.

Alaeze then enrolled at Illinois, which is believed to have applied for and received a waiver to make Alaeze eligible. He was suspended twice during his time in Illinois, played in two games and made one tackle.

Asked about Alaeze at his weekly news conference, Illini Coach Ron Zook said: "I'm not trying to keep anything from you, but because of the law I can't really comment on it, other than to say that he has withdrawn from school. I like Melvin; I love him a lot. He's a great guy, and I wish the best for him. I hope everything works out for him."